TCPUAAV Chapter 33

 

Mo Li readily agreed to Ruan Shiqing’s suggestion.

 

Installing a counter-surveillance device on the satellites? That was something beneficial to everyone—an easy task.

 

Moreover, the inner city would soon be filled with their people, so there was no concern about cooperation from within.

 

Rubbing his hands together with enthusiasm, Mo Li eagerly sent Ruan Shiqing off.

 

As he walked back into the house, he paused for a moment, feeling as if he had forgotten something.

 

*

 

With the cubs’ ID cards in hand, Ruan Shiqing didn’t head straight home. Instead, he made a detour to the South District Juvenile Academy.

 

This school, founded by a highly skilled evolver, had a history spanning over 50 years. Many of B3024’s young cubs had grown up here.

 

He had been considering sending the cubs to school for some time, but their lack of ID cards had delayed the plan.

 

Now that they had the necessary documentation, it was time to arrange their education.

 

After registering at the gate, Ruan Shiqing entered the school grounds.

 

The first thing he saw was a spacious playground filled with cubs running around wildly.

 

The cubs were young and varied in form—some were in their beast shapes, others in human form, chasing each other and playing on the field.

 

A Beastkin teacher stood on the steps, watching the cubs with a faint smile.

 

Ruan Shiqing paused to observe for a moment before heading to the administrative office.

 

The office was neat and tidy, but its furnishings were clearly dated. As he waited, Ruan Shiqing deduced that the school’s financial situation was probably modest.

 

“Mr. Ruan, it’s an honor to have you here. I apologize for not welcoming you sooner,” said Principal Dudd, hurrying in after receiving word of his arrival.

 

He saw a tall, slender figure standing by the window—about 1.75 meters tall, slim, dressed in a simple shirt and trousers. Contrary to the fearsome rumors surrounding him, the man exuded a refined and scholarly demeanor.

 

He looked like a gentle and kind person.

 

Hearing the principal’s voice, Ruan Shiqing turned around, smiling politely as he extended his hand. “Principal Dudd, hello.”

 

For a moment, Dudd was stunned by his appearance before shaking hands.

 

Ruan Shiqing’s features were more handsome than he had imagined, and he seemed younger too. He had the typical look of an ancient human but lacked the usual timidity and inferiority complex.

 

His eyes were calm yet determined.

 

Truly an extraordinary person.

 

These days, almost everyone in the outer city had heard of Ruan Shiqing, and the rumors about him were endless. Dudd had heard many of them, but seeing the man in person, he realized that reality far exceeded hearsay.

 

The two of them sat on opposite sides of the desk.

 

Ruan Shiqing got straight to the point, outlining his intention to enroll the cubs while asking detailed questions about the school’s curriculum.

 

To his surprise, the school didn’t offer much in the way of formal courses.

 

Aside from basic language lessons, most of the activities were outdoor play sessions. Teachers would guide the cubs on the playground, allowing them to play freely. Through play, the cubs would naturally tap into their instincts and learn the skills of form-shifting.

 

The school was more akin to a large daycare center.

 

Dudd, who was straightforward and honest, made no effort to hide this. “The school’s resources are limited. We may not be able to provide the kind of education Mr. Ruan expects. The only thing the parents ask of us is to ensure their cubs’ safety.”

 

After some thought, Ruan Shiqing decided to enroll the cubs anyway.

 

Playing with peers their own age at the school would surely be better than staying cooped up at home.

 

He promptly paid the tuition and completed the enrollment process. When Dudd noticed the species listed on the cubs’ ID cards, he smiled but refrained from commenting further.

 

With the paperwork settled, Ruan Shiqing made a stop at the underground market to buy school supplies for the cubs—backpacks and other necessities—before returning home to share the news.

 

“The three of you will start school tomorrow.”

 

The little dragon cub was stunned. “Why do we have to go to school?”

 

The little mermaid looked equally bewildered, his wide eyes full of confusion.

 

Compared to school, he much preferred staying at home.

 

Nota, who was the most knowledgeable of the group, explained, “When cubs reach a certain age, they all have to go to school.”

 

She was actually very excited about the idea. Back on Tutar, she had often seen parents escorting their cubs to school. Only parents who cared deeply for their children would send them to school.

 

Her big, fluffy tails swished as she asked, “Daddy, will you take us to and from school?”

 

“Of course,” Ruan Shiqing replied with a reassuring smile.

 

Satisfied with the answer, Nota wagged her tails happily. “Then I’ll go!”

 

Hearing Nota’s enthusiasm, Heli grew anxious. He still didn’t quite understand why cubs needed to go to school, but if Nota was going, he had to go too!

 

The little mermaid, initially unhappy about the idea of leaving home, immediately raised his hand upon seeing the other two agree.

 

He didn’t want to be the only one left at home—and he wanted Daddy to take him to school too!

 

With surprising ease, Ruan Shiqing managed to convince all three cubs to attend school, letting out a sigh of relief.

 

He remembered his colleagues at the research institute complaining about how their kids would throw tantrums whenever it was time to go back to kindergarten after a holiday. He had worried that announcing the news would cause an uproar. But seeing the cubs not only accept the idea but also seem excited about it filled him with pride.

 

As expected, my cubs are well-behaved and sensible.

 

*

 

The next morning, Ruan Shiqing and 09 escorted the cubs to school, leaving the Xiong brothers to watch the repair shop.

 

The cubs, carrying their new backpacks, were filled with excitement and anticipation.

 

When they reached the school gates, Ruan Shiqing handed them over to a teacher.

 

Though reluctant to part from him, the cubs were curious about the new experiences awaiting them. They followed the teacher eagerly, joining the other cubs in their playful chatter as they entered the school grounds.

 

Ruan Shiqing and 09 stood outside, watching them go.

 

Clutching his chest, 09 said despondently, “This feeling is awful. It’s like carefully nurtured roses being transplanted into someone else’s garden.”

 

Apart from Ruan Shiqing, 09 was the one who had spent the most time caring for the cubs.

 

He recalled a book he had once read, which said: “The time you spend on your rose makes your rose so important.”

 

To him, the cubs were his carefully nurtured roses.

 

At this moment, he felt an ache of reluctance.

 

Ruan Shiqing turned to look at him, his expression one of mild surprise. There was something different in his gaze. “Are you feeling sad?”

 

09 hesitated, then pinched his thumb and forefinger together to indicate a small amount. After a moment’s thought, he widened the gap slightly and said, “Not terribly sad. Maybe… this much.”

 

The little robot’s reaction was so natural and fluid that there wasn’t a trace of mechanical stiffness about him.

 

Having spent so much time together, Ruan Shiqing had grown used to 09’s intelligence and human-like behavior. But it was only at this moment that he realized just how extraordinary this golden robot truly was.

 

It seemed as though he had developed emotions of his own.

 

A robot that not only stores books but also truly understands them—one that could use lines from The Little Prince[mfn]That line about roses and caring for them comes from this book I guess[/mfn] to clearly express its emotions.

 

Such a being was far more than a simple machine.

 

Ruan Shiqing watched 09 for a long moment. Before the little robot could start feeling self-conscious, he smiled and said, “I feel the same way. It’s a little bittersweet. But roses always have to grow. Only then can they withstand the wind and rain.”

 

He didn’t point out 09’s uniqueness.

 

Whether it was the cubs or 09, they were all part of his family. No matter how they grew or changed in the future, he would protect them just the same.

 

They stayed outside the school for a while longer, watching the cubs attentively listen to their lessons. Only after reassuring themselves that everything was fine did they return to the repair shop.

 

*

 

The coronation ceremony and wedding were held as scheduled.

 

Rong Heng and Dares had used disguise capsules to blend into the crowd attending the event.

 

It was an unprecedentedly grand coronation, paired with an equally extravagant wedding.

 

Countless Imperial soldiers stood with weapons in hand, maintaining order in front of Palka Palace.

 

Peace doves flew over the palace, an orchestra played under dazzling crystal chandeliers, and an endless stream of nobles and socialites, dressed to the nines, attended the lavish celebration.

 

The scene in front of Palka Palace was one of opulence: carriages and hovercars in constant motion, elegant perfumes mingling in the air, and attendees dressed in their finest.

 

Beyond the soldiers’ barricades was a massive crowd of commoners who had come to witness the birth of their new Emperor and Empress.

 

Dares, unable to contain his disdain as he gazed at the ostentatious event, muttered, “Every year, the military budget gets slashed, but look at this wedding. The cost of all this pomp and ceremony could buy us how many weapons and rounds of ammunition?”

 

Rong Heng ignored him, his sharp eyes fixed on the vehicles arriving at Palka Palace.

 

The timing of the guests’ arrivals adhered to strict protocol. The higher their status, the more grandiose their entrance—and the later they arrived.

 

At exactly noon, the royal convoy stopped in front of Palka Palace.

 

Siyan, dressed in his imperial regalia, stepped out of the rear seat. After adjusting his collar, he circled around to the other side of the vehicle and personally opened the door to escort out a stunning woman.

 

This was the soon-to-be Empress, Thea Bart.

 

Wearing a white gown and a crown befitting an Empress, she gracefully placed her hand in Siyan’s, allowing him to guide her as she linked her arm through his.

 

The two exchanged smiles, appearing like the perfect couple—a picture of harmony and elegance.

 

Rong Heng frowned, visibly uncomfortable.

 

It had been a long time since he had last seen Siyan, but the man seemed like a completely different person.

 

In Rong Heng’s memory, Siyan rarely smiled. Despite being a professor at the Imperial University, he exuded none of the gentle intellectual aura one might expect; instead, he carried an unrelenting, cold edge, like forged steel.

 

Siyan had always been emotionally distant—his expressions were muted, and his feelings rarely showed. During the time the three of them had lived together, Rong Heng had observed that only when Siyan occasionally looked at his mother did his otherwise impassive face betray a flicker of emotion, his gaze deep and intense.

 

Most of the time, Siyan ignored everyone around him, including his own son.

 

Rong Heng had never seen him smile like this before. It was too perfect, like the programmed expression of a lifelike automaton—every movement scripted and mechanical.

 

It was even more unsettling than when he showed no expression at all.

 

As the couple basked in the crowd’s adoration, Siyan seemed to sense someone’s gaze. His eyes swept sharply across the crowd, like a blade slicing through the air.

 

Rong Heng calmly averted his gaze and gave Dares, who was visibly fuming, a subtle tug. “Let’s go.”

 

“Go? That’s it? We haven’t even seen anything yet,” Dales grumbled.

 

Rong Heng let out a soft scoff. “What do you think we’ll see here? You’d be better off waiting for the news to come out.”

 

Dares paused, then reluctantly agreed, following Rong Heng as they left the crowd.

 

Back at their temporary residence, Dares scratched his head, belatedly realizing something. “Your Highness, why aren’t you angry or upset at all?”

 

Rong Heng seemed far calmer than Dares himself.

 

“There’s nothing to be upset or angry about.” Rong Heng leaned back against the sofa, a faint, self-mocking smile tugging at his lips.

 

If you never had expectations to begin with, you wouldn’t feel disappointment.

 

He opened his smart device and started browsing the news.

 

Today’s royal event was dominating Sikkim’s media outlets. Holo-net platforms were flooded with coverage of the coronation and wedding. However, since the ceremony was still ongoing, no updates from the interior of Palka Palace had been released yet.

 

If they wanted to know what was happening inside, they would have to wait.

 

Just as Rong Heng was about to close the browser, a new notification popped up in the corner of his screen:

 

“Live Broadcast of the Coronation Ceremony—Unprecedented Access!”

 

Intrigued, Rong Heng clicked on the link and found that the news was released by the Sikkim Daily.

 

The live video feed showed the interior of Palka Palace.

 

The viewership numbers for the broadcast were skyrocketing.

 

In the video, a reporter from the Sikkim Daily stood before the camera, narrating excitedly:

 

“The coronation ceremony for His Majesty the Emperor has concluded. Up next, His Majesty and the soon-to-be Empress will exchange vows and crown the Empress…”

 

Onscreen, Siyan, dressed in a black ceremonial suit, slowly ascended the steps with Thea Bart on his arm. They approached the ceremonial platform where they were to exchange their vows.

 

The officiant began to speak, but Siyan raised his hand to signal him to stop.

 

In the live broadcast, the hall fell silent as Siyan’s raised hand cut through the air, his gesture commanding immediate attention.

 

The reporters’ commentary trailed off, replaced by the sharp intake of breath from the audience.

 

Rong Heng leaned forward slightly, his golden eyes narrowing.

 

Something was about to happen.

 

Siyan released Thea Bart’s hand and took a few steps forward, stopping at the edge of the ceremonial platform. From his elevated position, he gazed coldly at the guests gathered in Palka Palace, his smile full of calculated precision.

 

“Before we proceed with the vows, there is a matter of far greater importance that I wish to announce.”

 

As he spoke, his sharp gaze landed on the VIP section, where the four titans of the Imperial economy were seated: Old Bart from Naxi Group, Judson from Quark Dockyards, Kohler from Planck Energy, and Cliff from Schwarz Transport.

 

Their presence at the palace was not merely for ceremony; they had been drawn by a promise—Siyan’s claim that he had successfully developed a technology to mechanize the human body.

 

This was not the same as the “Death Trooper” experiments from over a century ago. Those experiments had produced mindless beings, stripped of self-awareness. Siyan’s innovation, however, claimed to preserve consciousness while replacing failing human organs with mechanical counterparts.

 

The concept of mechanizing the human body had long been the obsession of countless researchers.

 

Even the mighty Ymirians, with their extended lifespans of up to 500 years, were not immune to the inevitability of aging and death. Cellular degeneration and organ failure were inescapable truths.

 

With current technology, they could only slow the aging process and prolong life—but they couldn’t escape death altogether.

 

But what if aging, diseased organs could be replaced with mechanical alternatives? If self-awareness could be retained, then immortality would be within reach. And not just immortality—mechanical bodies could be stronger, faster, and more resilient.

 

The Death Troopers of a century ago were merely failed attempts at this dream.

 

Had it not been for the exposure of those experiments and the subsequent Imperial ban on human experimentation, the research—and its accompanying data—might have already borne fruit years ago.

 

Now, Siyan claimed not only to have revived the project but to have succeeded.

 

The four corporate giants largely believed his claims. After all, Siyan had been a celebrated scholar even before his marriage to Queen Farah, and he had retained his position at the Imperial University, complete with a personal lab and research projects, even after their union.

 

Following the Queen’s death, it would have been child’s play for Siyan, as Regent, to access the sealed archives and data from the original experiments.

 

Moreover, if Siyan wanted to secure his throne, he needed their support.

 

They were here to witness the culmination of his research.

 

On the platform, Siyan activated the massive holographic screen behind him.

 

The images that appeared on the screen sent a wave of murmurs rippling through the audience.

 

In a pristine white ward, rows of beds held patients in various states of transformation. Some had mechanical limbs replacing human ones; others had metallic implants where parts of their heads should have been. White-coated researchers moved through the ward, checking their patients, recording data, and—finally—letting out relieved sighs as they exclaimed:

 

“All stable!”

 

“You can wake them up now,” said one of the researchers, turning off the anesthesia pumps. Others removed the soft tubes from the patients’ noses.

 

The screen fast-forwarded two hours.

 

As the anesthesia wore off, the previously immobile patients began to awaken. Some examined their mechanical bodies in wonder, while others, guided by researchers, began adapting to the use of their new limbs.

 

What should have been a chilling sight was oddly softened by the laughter and warm chatter in the ward.

 

The audience in Palka Palace fell silent, realizing the implications of what they had just seen.

 

Every gaze locked onto Siyan.

 

Siyan let out a soft chuckle. “The patients in this ward were all on the brink of death. It was the ‘Divine Transformation Project’ that gave them new life.”

 

“Over a hundred years ago, this monumental experiment failed. But failure does not mean impossibility. After years of relentless research, my team and I have succeeded.”

 

He displayed a set of data on the screen. “A total of 632 volunteers participated in the ‘Divine Transformation Project.’ They were individuals facing terminal illnesses, catastrophic injuries, or the inevitable end of their natural lives.

 

“Now, without exception, they have all been granted a second chance.”

 

“They are the first of the transformed—pioneers of the Empire’s future.”

 

Placing his right hand over his left chest, Siyan bowed slightly to the audience and the camera broadcasting the event live. Then he straightened, his expression turning solemn.

 

“On this historic day, as Emperor of the Empire, I officially declare the launch of the ‘Divine Transformation Project.’ Any citizen of the Empire who suffers from incurable ailments or is nearing the end of life may apply to join the project through the holo-net. The Empire will grant them a new life.”

 

The scenes inside Palka Palace, transmitted through media cameras, spread like wildfire across the Empire.

 

The Divine Transformation Project immediately became the most-searched term on the holo-net, dominating every conversation.

 

Some questioned its authenticity, while others decried it as a violation of laws against human experimentation.

 

But there were also those who… couldn’t resist the temptation.

 

The painful lessons of a century ago had long been buried under the sands of history. Few remembered the horrors of the past. The allure of immortality and enhanced strength blinded many, driving them to the brink of madness.

 

The Imperial government’s official website opened the application portal. The second phase of the Divine Transformation Project allowed only 20,000 participants, all of whom had to meet strict criteria: terminal illnesses, irreversible injuries, or imminent death.

 

The clear and stringent requirements soothed many skeptics’ doubts, and anticipation for the project’s future phases began to build.

 

“This… can’t be real, right?” Dares stammered, his mouth agape. He turned to Rong Heng, almost pleading. “Human experimentation is still illegal, isn’t it?”

 

“It seems that it’s not anymore,” Rong Heng replied coldly. “The Emperor of the Empire has the authority to amend laws as he sees fit.”

 

His golden eyes darkened as he watched the application count rise exponentially on the screen.

 

The truth behind the Divine Transformation Project remained uncertain, but Rong Heng was sure of one thing: Siyan was not the type to act out of compassion or a desire to save lives.

 

Contacting Lucien, Rong Heng asked, “Is there any way to obtain the experimental data from the ‘Divine Transformation Project’?”

 

His instincts told him that the project, an offshoot of the “Death Trooper” experiments, was far from the salvation Siyan promised. Hidden behind its facade of hope and renewal lay darker, unspeakable purposes.

 

Lucien replied swiftly, stating that they were already working on obtaining the data. “Leave the situation in Sikkim to the Council,” he added.

 

Shortly after, Lucien sent Rong Heng a flight route and details of a civilian ship.

 

It was the transport vessel carrying Hector.

 

After weighing his options, Rong Heng decided, “We’ll rescue Hector first.”

 

Dares, still reeling from the shock of the announcement, gestured helplessly at the now-closed application portal. “And we’re just going to leave this alone?”

 

“What do you want to do? Convince every single applicant not to sign up? Or storm Palka Palace by yourself to assassinate Siyan?” Rong Heng retorted, his expression icy.

 

Dares fell silent, unable to argue. Finally, he muttered, “But this ‘Transformation Project’—it just feels… wrong.”

 

“Even an idiot can tell it’s wrong,” Rong Heng sneered. “But do you think there aren’t fools who’ll jump at the chance anyway? People driven by greed always think luck will favor them.”

 

He activated his disguise capsule, putting on his gear. “We can’t stop every fool from digging their own grave. What we can do is gather our strength and wait for the right moment to eliminate the manipulators pulling the strings.”

 

His goal wasn’t to save one, ten, or even a hundred lives.

 

It was to save the citizens of the entire Empire.

 

*

 

The cubs had been attending school for three days.

 

Every morning, Ruan Shiqing and 09 would drop them off, and every afternoon, they would pick them up together.

 

Whenever Ruan Shiqing talked about the cubs’ school life with the Xiong brothers, he couldn’t help but smile with pride. “The little ones are so well-behaved. The teacher even praised them yesterday.”

 

Just as he finished speaking, his smart device blinked with an incoming call.

 

It was from the school.

 

When he answered, the teacher’s virtual image appeared in the courtyard. From the background, it looked like she was in her office. Next to her stood the little dragon cub and the fox cub—both looking very fierce.

 

Ruan Shiqing froze.

 

“Teacher, is something wrong?” He glanced at the two cubs, noting their unusual expressions. Concerned, he asked, “Were they bullied at school?”

 

Bullied?!

 

Who in their right mind would dare bully your cubs?!

 

The teacher took a deep breath, trying to keep her temper in check. She forced a smile and said, “Not exactly. Nota and Heli got into a fight and accidentally injured another cub. The other cub’s parents are here, so I suggest you come to the school immediately.”

 

Ruan Shiqing: “…”

 

What?

 

His cubs? The ones who were so well-behaved?

 

---

 

On one hand you got the cute life of Ruan Ruan and the cubs, on the other, you have the depressing state Rong Rong is dealing with (｡T ω T｡)

Papa Ruan was strong in this one, 09 too… I wonder what he counts as? An uncle? An older brother? A grandpa? xD

 

Also, it’s officially been a month since I took over this project, and I’d like to thank you all for the support! It’s the first time I’ve been motivated enough to keep on translating and posting everyday as I love this novel a lot, and I’m super grateful for all the reads and comments, I hope you’ll keep on enjoying this one with me (o^ ^o)

 

Thanks for reading!

For every three ko-fis, I will upload a bonus chapter~